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Peru State College

Proposal to Add Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts

in Creative Marketing (Subject Major)

C. Degrees/credentials to be awarded graduates of the program:

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts: Creative Marketing (Subject Major)

D. Other programs offered in this field by the institution:

• BS/BA Business Administration with the following options: Computer Management

Information Systems, Management & Leadership, Marketing

• BS/BA ART with the following options: Fine Art, Graphic Design

• BAS: Management

• Minors: Computer Management Information Systems, Management, Marketing, ART 2-

courses also offered online)

I. Description of Program:

Upon completing a degree in Creative Marketing, students will be able to utilize the knowledge

acquired in social media theory, marketing, consumer marketing research, graphic design and

written communication skill that allows for the creation of innovative marketing solutions as

marketing content ideas and strategies to clients and stakeholders.

3. Analyze and interpret consumer data and behavior to develop effective marketing

strategies.

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4. Design and create engaging content, including visual graphics, videos, and written

content, that align with brand values and resonate with target audiences.

5. Use analytics tools to measure the success of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies

accordingly.

6. Understand the legal and ethical considerations of marketing and advertising, including

privacy laws, intellectual property rights, and government regulations.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts: Creative Marketing (36 Credit hours)

Required Courses (27 Credit Hours)

Art 101 Drawing 1

Art 120 2-D Design Foundation

Art 220 Introduction to Graphic Design

JOUR 232 Social Media Theory & Practice

JOUR 234 Beginning Journalism

BUS 328 Principles of Marketing

BUS 348 Retail Management & Merchandising

BUS 350 Professional Selling

Capstone Course - select ONE (3 Credit Hours)

ART 333 Design Studio

ART 350 Studio Activities

ART 400 Senior Exhibition/Portfolio

BUS 441 Internship

BUS 491 Strategic Marketing Management

JOUR 401 Practicum

TOTAL: 36 Credit Hours

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Required Course Descriptions (No courses are new)

ART 101 Drawing I (3 credits)

A study of basic drawing techniques using a variety of drawing media.

ART 120 2-D Design Foundation (3 credits)

introduced in 2-D Design Foundation.

JOUR 232 Social Media Theory & Practice (3 credits)

This class provides an overview of and introduction to current social media networks, and the

theories used to analyze those networks and how they are used. This class also emphasizes

media literacy as an integral tool in the critical understanding and analysis of social media

networks.

JOUR 234 Beginning Journalism (3 credits)

The fundamental principles of gathering and writing news: practice in reporting campus news;

and work on the Peru State Times, the college newspaper. This course fulfills General Studies

requirements for ENG 201, Advanced Composition.

direct marketing, social media, personal branding, personal selling, sales promotion, and public

relations/publicity, focusing on the blending of the elements into a total enterprise marketing

communications program.

BUS 355 E-Marketing (3 credits)

Overview of different types of internet business, internet marketing, global e-commerce,

consumer issues, business-to-business internet marketing, online selling strategies, legal and

ethical issues. Today's social media like YouTube, Facebook, Blogs, and Twitter are the new

customer-centric methods to reach and collaborate with customers in building relationships,

and in marketing ideas using digital media. The course explores new media, online selling

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introduced, including algorithms, data types, control structures, and Boolean logic. An overview

of project management, including critical path and dependencies, is introduced.

Elective Course Descriptions (no courses are new)

BUS 260 Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

learning, attitude change, information processing, lifestyle, demographics, social class, reference

groups, opinion leaders and diffusion, family and culture, and shopping environments.

BUS 348 Retail Management & Merchandising (3 credits)

This course presents the principles of retailing, including strategies, merchandise management,

store operations, evaluation and control, financial strategies, human resources management,

buying and selling, information systems, promotions, and inventory control.

BUS 350 Professional Selling (3 credits)

Students focus on the skills and techniques used in selling and persuasion. The course helps

students learn to sell products and ideas through a study of proven techniques used by

successful salespeople.

research to concept to execution, including client presentations and production for print and

web.

ART 350 Studio Activities (3-12 credit hours)

An integrated course consisting of students working in various art mediums. Students will be

allowed to work in the field of their choosing: painting, sculpture, etc. This course may be

repeated for a total of twelve (12) hours.

ART 400 Senior Exhibition/Portfolio (0 credit hours)

Art majors will mount an exhibition of their artwork and develop a slide portfolio. Senior

theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical experiences while allowing them

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opportunities to view and evaluate careers to which their major may lead. Ideal internships

establish positive contacts with prospective employers and are keys to building professional

networks for students. Internships have been found to encourage personal growth and

increased confidence in students. They can add meaning to academic study, aid in developing

"going to work skills," and create a laboratory for skill development and knowledge relevant to

employers and graduate programs.

globalization and technological changes reinforce the importance of thoroughly assessing a

firm's internal and external environments as a foundation for strategic and operating initiatives.

A strategic marketing simulation will enhance student engagement and critical thinking skills.

JOUR 401 Journalism Practicum (1 credit hour)

Practicum students will be involved in the production of the college newspaper and/or College

yearbook. Credit not to exceed one (1) credit hour each semester. May be repeated for up to six

(6) hours credit.

2. Centrality to Role and Mission

The mission of Peru State College is to provide students of all backgrounds access to engaging

3. Evidence of Need and Demand

Need for the program:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2022), there will be a significant surge in job

opportunities for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, with an expected rise of 10%

from 2021 to 2031. These positions will witness an average of 35,300 openings each year for the

next decade. The need for replacements due to retirement or a shift to another profession will drive

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Examples of job fields include:

· Advertising and Promotion

· Marketing and sales

· Public Relations

· Fundraising

· Social Media

Given the expected job surge in this area and growing interest in creative marketing, we anticipate

that prospective and incoming students will find this interdisciplinary approach enticing. According

to Indeed, there are 744 open positions in creative marketing in Nebraska. These include roles such

as creative marketers, brand influencers, marketing directors, creative directors, and content

specialists. Many of these positions offer flexible work arrangements such as work-from-home or

hybrid options, which can help achieve better work-life balance, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

During a conversation with a Marketing major who switched to Business Finance, he mentioned his

lack of interest in product selling or small business, which are the main focuses of our current

Marketing major. Instead, he was more interested in graphic design, AI, and social media as a brand

ambassador or influencer. These skills are now emphasized in the proposed Creative Marketing

Major, which takes an interdisciplinary approach.

Courses required for this program are already being offered, and there is capacity to accommodate

more students in those courses. Current faculty have qualifications to teach these courses, and the

College can hire qualified adjuncts as needed. It is estimated that the College will be able to recruit

five (5) new students to the College annually as well as two (2) current students who will add this

subject major to their primary subject major selection annually, totaling thirty-five (35) students

who will enroll in this subject major over the course of five years.

Physical Facilities:

There is no known need for physical facilities upgrades or improvements for this program.

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Budget Projections for the first five years of the program:

The estimated gross revenue for the program is attributed to the additional tuition and fees

generated by NEW students solely, as current students adding this subject major would have

completed other coursework in order to complete degree requirements. However, since two ART

courses have established fees, those revenues have been computed on both NEW and CURRENT

the first five years is estimated at $196,387.50.

Revenues also include the established ART fees of $110.50 per student, which is multiplied by both

NEW and CURRENT students, for a total of $773.50 per year, and $3,867.50 over the five year span.

No other revenues are expected.

There are no additional instructional costs for this program, as all courses required for this new

subject major are already being offered, and there are available seats in all courses to allow for

seven (7) additional students per year. Therefore, program expenses are solely attributed to

student fees (ART 101 $65.50 Flat Fee + $15.00 Lab Fee and ART 120 $30.00 Flat Fee) for $110.50

per student. The flat fee is to replenish art supplies used during the course, and the lab fee

purchases a required art kit that the students keep at the conclusion of the course. The fees are

$110.50 per student for an estimated total of $773.50 annually for seven (7) students and $3,867.50

5. Avoidance of Unnecessary Duplication

Existing undergraduate degrees with a marketing focus across the State include:

Chadron State College:

• BA: Comprehensive Major in Business Administration: Option Marketing

• Marketing Minor

• BS: Education with an Endorsement in Business, Marketing, and Information

• BS: Education with an Endorsement in Business, Marketing, and Information

• Graduate Certificate: Digital Marketing

University of Nebraska Kearney:

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